Great Wife

6 Reasons Why This Could Be the Greatest Season of The Good Wife Yet

It’s hard to imagine The Good Wife topping its stellar fifth season in all its desk-clearing, main-character-assassinating glory. But what we have here is, for all intents and purposes, a reboot. The very core of the show has shifted from the stomping grounds of Lockhart/Gardner, the push and pull of the Alicia, Will, Peter love triangle, and, if last night’s premiere is any indication, they’re even edging away from the case-of-the-week format. What’s left looks familiar, but even though the players are the same, the game is new. Here are six reasons why this season of The Good Wife may even top last year. Strap in, it’s going to be a bumpy year.

This Time It’s Personal

With the season kicking off with Cary behind bars, the whole legal structure of the show takes on a more personal tone. The writers have cleverly wrapped everyone into this case including Florrick/Agos, Lockhart/Gardner, Kalinda, Finn Polmar, and, thanks to State’s Attorney Castro’s petty vengeance, Gov. Florrick and Eli Gold won’t be far behind. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a beloved lawyer on trial, Will Gardner had his compelling brush with a grand jury back in Season 3, but with Cary actually in prison and possibly innocent, the stakes feel higher. I’m not sure how long they’ll let Cary rot in there (I’ll miss his swanky ties!), but Matt Czuchry is playing the slightly entitled vulnerability to perfection.

Off to the Races

Do you really have any doubt in your mind that Alicia is going to be compelled to run? Whatever Eli wants, Eli gets. Before you roll your eyes and say “another campaign, no, thank you,” remember that political campaigns mean maximum Eli Gold time, and that’s never a bad thing. Last season, they didn’t quite know what to do with the character, but give him a campaign and the man is, well, gold. It will also be a joy to watch Alicia encroach on Peter’s territory.

Kinky Boots

After several seasons of the wrong sparring partners for Kalinda (fellow investigator Blake Calamar, ex-husband Nick Saverese, shady lawyer Damian Boyle), The Good Wife is bringing back a classic. Sophia Russo, who hasn’t been seen since the beginning of Season 3, is back and it feels better already, doesn’t it? Kalinda is a great character stuck in subpar plotlines for far too long. It’s nice to see her trying to help Cary, but it’s even nicer to see her paired up with someone worthy of her skills.

Will 2.0

Matthew Goode’s Finn Polmar had the unenviable task of trying to replace Josh Charles’s Will Gardner. I think we were all surprised by how well he did last season. Now that he’s opposing counsel on Cary’s case, this will be even more of a chance for him to step into Will’s flirtatiously antagonist role. Also the mention of his sister and her overdose, a bit of backstory they cleverly set up last season, means this case isn’t just personal for Cary and Alicia.

Sex Scandals

I know, much like the campaigns, this seems like a worn-out story line. But who can resist a plot that might inspire more Eli Gold faces like this one?

Rogues Gallery

Finally, let’s count up all the threats circling our heroes this year. First, Lemond Bishop, a dark part of Cary and Alicia’s past that’s coming back to haunt them. Bishop has been a great side character for years and bringing him to the forefront here feels organic. Bishop can be both ally and antagonist this season. That’s what makes it fun. Second, Finn Polmar and James Castro, who will use the full strength of the State’s Attorney’s office to destroy Bishop, even if it means taking Cary down while they do it. Third, whoever it is Alicia runs against. Castro is one candidate, but it wouldn’t be a Good Wife election plot without a very special guest star, and this one’s a killer. Finally, David Lee and Louis Canning as the comedic villains you never knew you always wanted. The two have done considerable damage from their respective corners, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish together.